Two local fish hatcheries offer great, family-oriented fun this weekend

Two great annual, family-oriented events are scheduled this weekend at local fish hatcheries, both in recognition of National Hunting and Fishing Day on Saturday.

- The first is the 14th annual open house Saturday at the state Department of Environmental Conservation’s Salmon River Fish Hatchery, 2133 county Route 13 in Altmar.

The free event is set for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine.

"This is the one opportunity during the year where the public is able to access the working parts of the hatchery with a personal tour," said Fran Verdoliva, Salmon River Program coordinator. "The underwater video camera will be installed in the fish ladder for an up-close look at the migrating salmon and trout. Visitors can watch migrating salmon, see an exhibit on rare and endangered fish and learn about the many opportunities for fishing and outdoor recreation along the Salmon River."

For further information, call 298-5051.

- There’s also the 26th annual Sportsmen’s Days at the Carpenter’s Brook Fish Hatchery in Elbridge, set for 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at the hatchery, located off Route 321. The event is put on each year by the Onondaga County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs. This year’s corporate sponsor is Honeywell, the company that’s working to clean up Onondaga Lake.